WED JUL 2, 2008

NEW YORK

Depart New York Fiorello LaGuardia Airport on Northwest Airlines Fl# 537 at

Arrive Detroit Wayne County Airport at

Depart Detroit on Northwest Airlines Fl# 71 at

Cross international date line, “lose” one day.

9:20am

11:24am

3:55pm

THU JUL 3, 2008

NAGOYA/

GIFU

Arrive Nagoya Central Japan International Airport at

Upon arrival transfer by motor coach to the nearby Japanese city of Gifu for your overnight accommodations.

6:00pm

FRI

JUL 4,

2008

GIFU/

TOYAMA

Depart Gifu in the morning and travel by motor coach to Toyama.

Driving north through the spectacular Hida Mountain Range, you will soon see why this region is known as the Japanese Alps.

Pass through the mountain town of Gero, famous for its hot water spring spas and superb views of the surrounding mountains before continuing on to Takayama.

The small town of Takayama in central Honshu, to the west of the Hida Mountain Range has preserved much of its old-world charm. Many old houses still demonstrate the skill of the local carpenters, who were renowned in the medieval period for their mastery of their craft.

Time will be set aside in this charming town for the members of the orchestra to get lunch on their own.

Possible short performances with small ensembles of the Long Island Youth Orchestra may be arranged in Takayama.

Continue on to Toyama arriving in the early evening.

Accommodations in a carefully selected comfortable hotel for your three night stay in Toyama.

Located near the center of the Japanese archipelago, Toyama is famous for its dynamic natural scenery that varies in altitude by some 4,000 meters, from the towering 3,000-meter peaks of the Tateyama mountain range to depths of greater than 1,000 meters below sea level in Toyama Bay.

SAT

JUL 5, 2008

TOYAMA

Today take part in sightseeing activities in Toyama.

Visit Takaoka Otogi-no-mori Park. This is a lovely area where the Senbo River runs through fields of beautiful flowers and greenery. The park has some statues of cartoon characters from "Doraemon," an animation made by Fujiko F Fujio (the late Fujimoto Hiroshi).

An evening of social activities with Japanese students will be arranged.

SUN

JUL 6, 2008

TOYAMA

Morning tours of Toyama and the vicinity will be arranged.

Kanazawa Castle first built in the Edo period, the structure is set in a pleasant park. Painstakingly restored after the bombings of the Second World War, the castle also contains the Museum of Local History focusing on Toyama’s culture and history and the Sato Memorial Museum noted for its collection of utensils for tea ceremony and antiques.

Also, visit the great bronze Buddha in nearby Takaoka, which is the leading producer of bronze ware in Japan. Along with the great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura, it is considered one of the three greatest Buddha in Japan.

In the afternoon, the orchestra will rehearse on the stage of the concert hall.

This evening, the orchestra will present a full concert in the Toyama Concert Hall.

MON

JUL 7,

2008

TOYAMA/

NIIGATA

Today take enjoy another scenic drive along the western coast of Japan by motor coach to Niigata.

En-route make a stop in the city of Joetsu on the coast that features amazing views of the sea of Japan and majestic mountains that remain snow capped even during the summer.

Orchestra members will have an opportunity to get lunch on their own before continuing on to Niigata.

Arrive Niigata in the late afternoon.

Proceed to the NSG Student Total Education Plaza (STEP)..

At STEP an evening of social musical activities gives an opportunity to interact with Japanese music students will be arranged.

Spend the night at NSG Student Total Education Plaza (STEP).

TUE

JUL 8,

2008

NIIGATA

This morning have breakfast at STEP and set out to explore Niigata.

Literally translated into English as “New Lagoon”, Niigata is the largest and most important among the cities which face the Sea of Japan. It has been an important seaport since Matthew Perry “opened” Japan in the mid-1800s. A key port for trade with Russia and northern Korea, it was the first port on the Sea of Japan to allow foreign trade.

Take pare in a tour of the Northern Cultural Museum.

This private museum is located in a late 19th century traditional Japanese house which was purchased near the end of the Meiji era by Bunkichi Ito of the Ito landowning Family. Yaichi Aizu, a famous poet calligrapher and art historian born in Niigata, spent his later years here and his works are on display at the museum. In addition, there is a monument inscribed with a poem in the garden. Works of calligraphy by Ryoken are also on display. Finally, there are tea rooms where visitors can enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.

Have lunch at the museum.

Next, visit local high schools in the city in separate groups to play for and meet Japanese students.

Later, check into the 5-Star Hotel Okura Niigata for your next two nights accommodations in Niigata.

Dinner at the hotel.

WED

JUL 9, 2008

NIIGATA

After breakfast at the hotel, spend some time exploring this attractive city in small groups with your group leaders.

In the early afternoon, transfer to the Concert Hall of the Niigata Performing Arts Center.

The orchestra will have a full rehearsal on the stage of the Concert Hall.

After rehearsal, a light lunch will be served.

In the evening, the Long Island Youth Orchestra will present a full concert of the 2008 Summer Tour at the Niigata Performing Arts Center.

Return to the hotel after the concert.

Dinner will be provided at the hotel.

THU

JUL 10,

2008

NIIGATA/

VLADIVOSTOK

After breakfast, time will be set aside for independent activities with your group leaders.

Check out of the hotel and transfer to Niigata Airport for your flight to Vladivostok.

Depart Niigata on Vladavia Airlines Fl# 808 at

Arrive Vladivostok International Airport at

On this day the Long Island Youth Orchestra will make history as the first American symphony orchestra to visit the Russian Far East.

Accommodations for three nights in Vladivostok, to be advised.

Vladivostok (translated as “Rules the East”) is the major city of the Russian Far East and birthplace of Yul Brynner of “The King and I” fame. Situated not far from the border with

China and North Korea, it is the largest city in The Primorskiy Region of Russia and boasts the largest sea port of

the Russian Pacific coast.

3:50pm

7:30pm

FRI

JUL 11

&

SAT

JUL 12

2008

VLADIVOSTOK

These days will be spent seeing the sights of this beautiful Russian city.

The Vladinostok railway station is a key attraction and worthy of a visit. Christened by the last Russian Czar Nikolai II in 1891, the railway station’s 17^th century architecture is carefully preserves and continues to be a stop on the 5,780 miles Trans-Siberian Railroad.

The Central Square of the city is the site of all major public celebrations with its main landmark being the memorial complex dedicated to the “Fighters for the Soviet Power in the Russian Far East in 1917-1922.”

The C-56 submarine museum is contained in an actual World War Two submarine that sank 10 enemy ships.

LIYO will present a concert in cooperation with the Vladivostok Philharmonic Orchestra on one of these evenings.

SUN JUL 13, 2008

VLADIVOSTOK

Additional sightseeing and organized independent activities in Vladivostok.

Travel by overnight sleeper train with berths to Khabarovsk.

MON JUL 14, 2008

VLADIVOSTOK

Arrive in Khabarovsk in the morning.

Accommodations for three nights in Khaborovsk.

Khabarovsk is the administrative center and the largest city of Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. It is located less than 20 miles from the Chinese border. It is the second largest city in the Russian Far East, after Vladivostok. The city became the administrative capital of the Far Eastern Federal

District of Russia in 2002.

TUE

JUL 15

&

WED JUL 16 2008

KHABAROVSK

These days will be spent seeing the sights of Khabarovsk.

Boshehehtsirsky Reserve, Khabarovsk was founded in 1963 and features 218 species of mosses, 148 species of lichens, 1017 species of vascular plants, 825 species of mushrooms and 292 species of algae. There are also 6 species of amphibious, 8 species of reptiles, 222 species of birds, 40 species of fish and 50 species of mammals.

Cinema “Gigant” is the biggest place in the city for viewing films. There are 3 viewing halls.

The Military Museum, Khabarovsk, is one of the popular tourist attractions in Khabarovsk. Maintained by the Far Eastern Military Headquarters, the museum is known for its exhibits depicting the history of the Red Flag far Eastern Military District. The Military Museum, Khabarovsk is a must visit destination to know about the military history of the land.

The Art Museum, Khabarovsk boasts a collection of over 10,000 pieces of Russian and Western art here. There is also a precious collection of Far Eastern aboriginal applied arts.

Special events with young Russians will be arranged.

A full concert will be arranged on one of these evenings.

THU

JUL 17, 2008

KHABAROVSK/

BIROBIDJAN

Travel by bus to Birobidjan, the location of the Jewish Autonomous Region (ייִדישע אווטאָנאָמע געגנט).

Formed in 1928 to give Soviet Jews a home territory and to increase settlement along the vulnerable borders of the Soviet Far East, the area was raised to the status of an autonomous region in 1934. The Jewish population peaked in 1948 at about 30,000. There are some remaining Yiddish influences

—including a Yiddish newspaper and two synagogues. The region’s economy is based on mining (gold, tin, iron, and graphite), lumber, limited agriculture, and light manufacturing (mainly textiles and food processing).

The orchestra will be welcomed by members of the community.

Tour and get to know this unique community, its citizens, monuments and learn about its history through meetings and discussions.

The Long Island Youth Orchestra will present a full concert for the community.

Accommodations for two nights will be arranged.

FRI

JUL 18, 2008

BIROBIDJAN

Today, time will be set aside for special visits with community members and tours will be arranged to further explore this special region of Russia.

SAT

JUL 19, 2008

BIROBIDJAN /

KHABAROVSK

Transfer by motor coach back to Khabarovsk in time to board an overnight train to Vladivostok.

SUN JUL 20, 2008

VLADIVOSTOK/

SEOUL

Upon arrival transfer by motor coach to Vladivostok International Airport for your flight to Seoul, Korea.

Depart Vladivostok on Vladavia Airlines Fl# 737 at

Arrive Seoul Incheon International Airport.

Upon arrival, transfer by motor coach to your accommodations for your three night stay in Seoul.

Seoul is an intriguing city transforming itself from the Yi Dynasty capital of the Hermit Kingdom to a major mover and shaker on the international scene, especially in the field of commerce and sports. Nowhere else is the Korean drive to come to terms with a turbulent and fractured past so evident. Seoul was battered by Japanese and Manchu invasions in the 16th and 17th centuries and flattened by the Korean War; most of its cityscape is modern. Overshadowed by high-rises and 12-lane freeways, it yet retains a hidden history of centuries-old temples, palaces, pagodas and lush gardens.

Accommodations for three nights in Seoul, to be advised.

4:20pm

4:25pm

MON JUL 21,

2008

SEOUL

These days will be spent touring the many interesting sites of Seoul.

Visit the Korean Folk Village. Home to numerous collections of
Korean cultural artifacts, the Folk Village proves an opportunity for visitors to experience and learn the Korean culture firsthand. The site provides a venue to promote traditional Korean culture to both domestic and international visitors, and provides an open-air learning place for succeeding generations.

For a truly serious shopping experience, visit Itaewon. The most exotic place in Seoul Itaewon represents fusion culture with a distinctive atmosphere. Many people say, “You may not know Seoul, but you should know Itaewon,” showing how renowned of a shopping district Itaewon is. The area has a vibrant ambience with shops, restaurants, cafes and street vendors. Most sign are written in English.

In the afternoon the Long Island Youth Orchestra will rehearse with local soloists who will perform with the orchestra.

This evening, the orchestra will present a major concert in Seoul.

TUE

JUL 22,

2008

SEOUL

This morning will be set aside for organized independent activities in Seoul.

In the afternoon, proceed to the United States Army Base at Youngsan.

Yongsan Garrison is located in the heart of Seoul. Although Seoul boasts a population of over 11-million Yongsan Garrison enjoys the life-style of a suburb of a small city.

Visit with American military personnel and their families and tour the base.

Dinner in the base’s mess hall.

In the evening, the orchestra will present a concert on the base.

WED JUL 23, 2008

SEOUL

Depart Seoul on regularly scheduled economy class international air service bound for Tokyo.

Arrive Tokyo Narita International Airport and transfer to your flight to Honolulu.

Depart Tokyo on Northwest Airlines Fl# 22 at

8:55pm

WED

JUL 23, 2008

HONOLULU

Cross international date line, “gain” one day

Arrive Honolulu International Airport at

Upon arrival, transfer by motor coach to the Hilton Hawaiian Village or, similar for your four night stay at the beach in Waikiki.

Exquisitely located on Waikiki Beach against a backdrop of breathtaking natural wonders, Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a 22-acre paradise of exotic plants and flowers, shimmering swimming pools, and whispering waterfalls.

9:20am

THU
JUL 24,

FRI

JUL 25

&

SAT

JUL 26, 2008

HONOLULU

These days will be spent visiting the sights of Honolulu and relaxing on the beaches of Waikiki.

Honolulu is the capital city of the 50^th state – Hawaii. Waikiki, its very name is enough to transport you to another world…a lively place of pristine white sand beaches, tropical sunsets, upscale hotels, fine dining and shopping, Waikiki is truly the playground of the Pacific.

Visit Diamond Head. Widely recognized as the symbol of Hawaii, this extinct volcano crater was known to ancients as Leahi, which means "brow of the tuna" and referred to its appearance from the west. Its more familiar name came from 19th-century British sailors, who mistook crystals in the soil for diamonds. Hike up the crater for awe-inspiring views of Oahu.

Tour the Halona Blow Hole. Molten lava tubes from volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago formed the natural occurrence known as the blowhole. The lava tubes extend to the ocean, and when the surf is right, the blowhole can shoot water up to 30 feet in the air. The lookout off the Kalanianole Highway at Halona presents an exceptional vista of the coastline and outer islands, and it is a fantastic spot to watch whales at play in the winter. Just to the right of the Halona Blowhole is the Halona Beach Cove, the place known for the renowned scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr in the 1953 movie, From Here to Eternity.

No visit to Hawaii would be complete without a tour of Pearl Harbor. Re-live the moment in history that thrust America into World War II with this visit to the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center. View a film with footage of the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and browse through historic displays. Ride the Navy launch across Pearl Harbor and board the Arizona Memorial. Take a drive through the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl and the Courts of the Missing.

Plenty of time to enjoy the beach and recreational facilities of Hawaii!!

During the stay in Honolulu, the Long Island Youth Orchestra will present its final concert of the 37^th Annual Summer Tour!

On the final evening in Honolulu, the orchestra will be treated to its traditional “LIYO Farewell Dinner” by the sponsoring host.

SUN JUL 27, 2008

HONOLULU

Final morning set aside for additional organized sightseeing or, last minute shopping and sightseeing.

In the afternoon, transfer by motor coaches to Honolulu International Airport.

Depart Honolulu on Northwest Airlines Fl#808 at

5:20pm

MON

JUL 28, 2008

NEW YORK

Arrive Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport at

Depart Minneapolis on Northwest Airlines Fl# 508 at

Arrive New York Fiorello LaGuardia Airport at

5:58am

10:15am

1:52pm

PLEASE NOTE:

All arrangements subject to change at the discretion of the tour leader and/or local sponsoring organizations.